Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Function of Ruminococcus albus
Ruminococcus albus is a:
- Cellulose-digesting bacteria — Correct Answer
- Hemicellulose digesting bacteria
- Starch-digesting bacteria
- Sugar utilizing bacteria
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Cellulose-digesting bacteria
Ruminococcus albus is one of the major cellulose-digesting bacteria in the rumen. Along with Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Fibrobacter succinogenes, it forms the core group of fibre-degrading rumen bacteria.
Ruminal Bacteria — Classification
| Type | Key Bacteria |
|---|---|
| Cellulose-digesting | Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Clostridium longisporum |
| Hemicellulose-digesting | Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Bacteroides ruminicola |
| Starch-digesting | Streptococcus bovis, Ruminobacter amylophilus |
| Methanogenic | Methanobacterium ruminantium |
| Sugar/dextrin utilizing | Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens, Lactobacillus acidophilus |
Key Facts about Ruminococcus albus
- Gram-positive cocci; obligate anaerobe
- Produces cellulase → breaks β-1,4 glucosidic bonds of cellulose
- Co-operates with Ruminococcus flavefaciens for effective fibre degradation
- Critical for ruminants on high-roughage diets
Memory Aid — Cellulose Digesters
- Fibrobacter succinogenes
- Ruminococcus albus & Ruminococcus flavefaciens
- Clostridium longisporum
- Remember: FRC = Fibre-digesting ruminal cocci/bacteria
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- Hemicellulose digesting → Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens is the key hemicellulose degrader
- Starch-digesting → Streptococcus bovis is the key starch degrader
- Sugar utilizing → Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens utilises dextrin/sugars
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
